Bethlen Almanac 1998 (Ligonier)

Tóparti Egyházmegye - Lakeside Classis

The Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain, UCC

The hope, rock, salvation and fortress of the Lorain Community of Faith was God alone, during the year of 1998, just as well as through the entire history of this congregation. This year was not an easy one for us. We lost a good number of faithful and committed members, yet we trusted in Him and we continue to trust in Him as our only refuge. We, as a faith community, are very much aware of the apt words of the great surgeon, Ambroise Pare: “I bind up the wounds, but God heals them.” We are only the instruments of the Almighty on this earth to try to bind up wounds, but the power, the healing, the strength all comes from God.

In this spirit, the most important event in the life of our congregation, was the Benefit Dinner/Dance on November 21st, for the rebuilding of the Deszka Templom in Miskolc. The food, the work, the hall were all donated, spiced with a great deal of commitment and determination, under the capable leadership of Julius A. Pongracz and Frank Bari, coupled with the energetic services of our Youth Fellowship and their advisors, the great cooks, and the dedicated shoppers and preparers, together with the tasteful decorations of Susie Fortner. The result was great. We have sent to the rebuilding of this church $3,000 through the treasury of our Calvin Synod. This was a work of love and Christian care.

On September 20th, we joyfully celebrated the 95th Anniversary of our Sick Benefit Society, starting with Holy Communion in both our Hungarian and English services. Our Pastor uplifted the exemplary service of this organization amongst us in a Sermon entitled “Heroes of Service.” In the afternoon, we rejoiced and celebrated with a beautiful banquet and joyful dancing. The President of the Sick Benefit Society, Steve B.

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